Unable to find anything strong enough to stop the flow of energy that stands between them and Engineering, Data offers to use his body. The android assures Riker that he can shield his brain from the energy's effects and emerge with his "mental capacity" intact. Realizing that they have no choice, Riker gives Data the go-ahead. While his body is destroyed, Data's head survives as promised, and Riker removes It. Meanwhile, an injured Picard organizes the frightened children in an effort to escape through a hatch in the turbolift, but their efforts are continually thwarted. In the cargo bay, Beverly and Geordi decide their only hope is to open an external door that might blow the containers of hazardous materials into space and put out the fire. And back in the Ten-Forward, Keiko shocks an unprepared Worf by going into labor.

On the Bridge, Ro and O'Brien clash over Ro's insistence that the only way to prevent an explosion is to separate the Bridge from Engineering, casting that portion of the ship into space. Ro is sure there are no survivors in Engineering, but O'Brien counters that they have no real way of knowing since the area is without power. Forced to make a decision, Troi chooses not to separate the ship and to divert power to Engineering to help anyone who may be trapped there. Ro reminds her that this could mean the destruction of the entire ship, but Troi stands firm. Meanwhile, Geordi and Beverly successfully execute their plan to put out the fire. Upon reaching the door to Engineering, Riker attaches Data's head to the control panel, using the power in his battery to open the door. He and Data are surprised to see the area has power and quickly revive the broken generator, restoring power to the entire ship. Picard and the children are freed from the Turbolift, and Keiko gives birth, with Worf's help, to a baby girl.

Ro Laren: I was wrong. I'm sorry.
Counselor Troi: Don't be. You could just as well have been right.

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Capt. Picard: [Trying to inspire courage in a child in danger] Let's see. Your science project involved radishes, did it not? I hereby appoint you my Executive Officer in charge of... um... radishes.

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[after Captain Picard and his "crew" of three schoolchildren escaped from a damaged turbolift, the children come to the bridge to thank him]
Capt. Picard: [leaving for his ready room] You have the bridge, Number One.
Commander William T. Riker, Marissa Flores: Aye, sir.
[Riker looks at her, surprised. She laughs sheepishly. Picard winks at her]

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Lieutenant Worf: [Worf is delivering Keiko's baby, and is urging her on with all the intensity and passion as if he was leading a typing class] Push! Push, Keiko! Push
Keiko O'Brien: [fed up] I AM PUSHING!

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Lieutenant Worf: This birth is not proceeding as it did in the simulations.
Keiko O'Brien: WELL, I'M SORRY!

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Keiko O'Brien: [during a crisis] I'm going into labor.
Lieutenant Worf: You cannot. This is not a good time, Keiko.
Keiko O'Brien: It's not open for debate!

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Lieutenant Worf: [to Keiko, who's in labor] Congratulations, you are fully dilated to 10 centimeters. You may now give birth.
Keiko O'Brien: THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING!

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[Trying to keep up morale while climbing up the ladder in a turbolift shaft]
Capt. Picard: I know what we need. A climbing song. Did you children learn any songs in school?
Marissa Flores: Um..."The Laughing Vulcan and his Dog."
Capt. Picard: ...I'm afraid I don't know that one.